Farmers who raise livestock, whether cattle, horses, sheep, or goats, should think of themselves as forage farmers as well. Increased use of forage reduces feed costs and increases potential yield per animal; to some extent, it is an input that a farmer can manage himself to minimize concentrate purchases.

One dilemma facing many aspiring vegetable gardeners is sub-prime soil, shall we say. Compacted, clayey soil is not uncommon in Kentuckiana, but it is especially common in newer developments.
One way to offset the problem is to employ a system of raised beds. Raised beds are practical for many reasons, and they are not just for the clay-challenged.
Practical because you do not have to till, dig, double dig or battle clay in a raised bed. The soil has been added by you, so it is as good as you want it to be.

The Kentucky Farm Bureau Board of Directors will host candidates seeking to become Kentucky’s next Commissioner of Agriculture at a Measure the Candidates forum on April 20 in Louisville.
The event will be held at the KFB state headquarters, 9201 Bunsen Parkway, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. It will provide candidates with an overview of KFB’s priority issues concerning the future of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and a chance to share their vision for the office.

On March 10, 38 members of the Spencer County FFA Chapter participated in the Northern Regional FFA Day finals, which consists of speaking, parliamentary procedure, talent and record keeping contests. Seventeen chapters competed. The top two individuals in each speaking contest advance to the state finals in June.

Jeanie Williams, County Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency wants to make crop producers aware of Kentucky’s approved double-cropping practices.
Approved double-cropping practices are used in determining the crop’s eligibility for FSA program purposes.
Initial planted crops followed by a crop not approved as a practice for double-cropping are defined as a subsequent crop planting. Subsequent crops are not considered eligible crops for some FSA programs unless they meet an exception ruling.

Experts report that eastern tent caterpillar eggs have begun hatching in Central Kentucky, just as leaf buds are swelling on wild cherry trees. While it is too early to tell what 2011 levels will be, populations have been gradually increasing over the past several years.
According to Lee Townsend, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture entomologist, the newly hatched eggs, which were laid last June, are easy to identify by the small holes tiny larva chew as they exit. In about two weeks, the tents should be about the size of a baseball and easy to spot in trees.

True to most springs in Kentuckiana one day is sunny and warm, the next cloudy and cold. It’s an anxious time of the year for most gardeners as we watch the sun coax open a little patch of crocus or we catch sight of an old landscape filled with waves of blooming white snow drops. Must we wait for the forsythia to bloom as we pray for warmth? No, there are plenty of other early bloomers to keep us happily occupied until spring truly arrives.

As we move into spring, many of our thoughts turn to gardening. Here are some tips for you when it comes time to prepare some fresh vegetables.
• Add vegetables to rice and pasta.
• Add more vegetables to soups, broths, and stews.
• Prepare meats and eggs with vegetables.
Simple things added to vegetables can add to their flavor.
Try some of these combinations:
• Beans: bell pepper, chili powder, garlic, ground cloves, onion
• Corn: allspice, bell pepper, chili powder, garlic, onion, pimiento, tomato

With spring planting now underway, Kentucky Farm Bureau looks to sow a few seeds of its own as it calls for applications for the 2011 KFB Farmer of the Year award. The organization initiated a Farmer of the Year award program as a way to recognize KFB members for their commitment to excellence in agriculture, efficiency in farming practices, sound financial management and outstanding leadership in their county Farm Bureau and other civic organizations.